NBC snow graphics nice, but not a first

NBC earned some well-deserved praise Nov. 29, when it superimposed graphics showing the yard lines during a snowy Patriots-Broncos game from Denver’s Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

It wasn’t the first time, though, that a broadcaster used virtual graphics during a snowy game. Nine years ago, ESPN used a similar technology for a Packers-Seahawks game in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the Packers 34-24 on Nov. 26, 2006, in a game that was notable for an unusual Seattle snowstorm that blanketed the stadium during the first half.

NBC even used virtual field numbers in its broadcast last month. The technology of 2006 was not as sophisticated, but ESPN enhanced the first-down line and accentuated the lines on the field.

This season’s final “Monday Night Football” game is Dec. 28 in Denver. ESPN said producers already have discussed virtual plans should a blizzard interrupt that night’s Bengals-Broncos game.